Wednesday, February 15th
Read Pencils, Erasers and Disqualifications Chapter
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1. Describe Reynie
2. On page five, it states that Reynie looked for solitude and freedom from persecution. What does this mean? Use evidence from the text to support your answers.
3. Why would Reynie break his pencil in half for someone that he didn't even know?
4. On page 17, it states that Reynie, "felt the weight of loneliness upon him." Why? What happened, use evidence to support your answers.
5. Is cheating ever ok? How and why did Reynie resist the temptation?
6. Why are rules made? Why are those so many rules in chapter one?
Due Friday, February 17th


Friday, February 17th
Read Buckets and Spectacles, Squares and Arrows and The Trouble with Children or, Why They are Necessary?
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1. Reynie says he doesn't like television. Do you believe him? Why or why not?
2. Why is it important for this team to work together?
3. At the beginning of the chapter Rhonda doesn't seem upset at all - why?
4. Describe Kate and Sticky. Who do you think are the protagonist and antagonist of the story so far?
1. What is the most important test the children passed in order to be selected?
2. How are they tested?
3. Why doesn’t it seem to matter that all the children solve the problem in a different way?
4. What is narcolepsy? How does this affect Mr. Benedict?
5, Where is Zambia? Find out two interesting facts about this place.
6. Is Bembi a real language?
7. Why do you think Mr. Benedict wants this group of children for an important assignment?
8. What does the word " vexed" mean and how is it used in these two chapters?
Due Monday, February 20th


Monday, February 20th
Read The Sender and The Messenger
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1.With so much in common, Kate, Reynie, Sticky, and Constance still have dissimilar traits.
What are the traits they possess that bring them together?
2. What causes discord among the team members?
3. What in their backgrounds and family life is similar? What is dissimilar?
4. How do the likenesses play a role in their assignment?
Due Wednesday, February 22nd

Wednesday, February 22nd
Read Codes and Histories, The Thing to Come and The Naming of the Crew
Due Tuesday, February 28th
1. Why do you think that Mr. Benedict is telling the children to pay attention to what the Institute doesn't teach?
2. What is Morse code? Who invented this communication system and what was it used for?
3. Mr. Benedict on page 119 states, "Whether you always agree is inconsequential,..." What does this mean? How does this fit into the definition of a team?
4. When Sticky tells about his background, he says that philanthropists began sending his parents money, what are philanthropists? It also says that Sticky was astonished and mortified - about what?
5. Constance had a breakthrough on page 124, describe this event.
6. Milligan has amnesia and wears disguises - why?
7. At the end of the chapter, Milligan couldn't look at the children - why?
8. What is the "unintended consequence" mentioned on page 135?
9. Describe the Sender.
10. Why was Reynie doubting his trust for Mr. Benedict?
11. What does the word "forged" mean on page 136?
12. Again, why do you think that Constance is an important part of the team? Your answer should reflect change from the last time we discussed this.
13. Why is Mr. Benedict commonly found on the floor?
14. How could Constance we the key to the team's success?
15. On page 143, why is Reynie thanking Mr. Benedict?
16. What is The Mysterious Benedict Society?

Tuesday, February 28th
Read Nomansan Island and Traps and Nonsense
Due Thursday, March 1st
Normansan Island
1. How are you enjoying this book so far? What questions do you currently have about this book that you think will be answered as we continue with the book?
2. Who are the executives and what is their job? What's the difference between a messenger and an executive?
3. Describe Jackson and Jillson. What do you think their role is in this book?
4. On page 160 it states that Kate was, "trying to prove she didn't need anyone's help and this was easiest to believe when she was doing what she was good at." What do you think this means?
5. The end of the chapter ends with a cliff-hanger. What is a cliff-hanger and why it important?

Traps and Nonsense
6. Why do you think there was a trap disguised with a plant on top? Do you think this will be important later in the book? What is that called when an author gives you clues as to what is going to occur further into the book?
7. Who are the helpers?
8. On page 166, the phrase "Whatever floats your boat," is an idiom. What is an idiom and what does this phrase mean?
9. What do you think about the Institute having no rules? How is this statement contradicted?
10. What is a free market? Why do they have to memorize a chant about the free market?

Vocabulary Words for you to look up:
fate and diminutive size from page 152
ardous from page 164



Thursday, March 1st
Read Beware the Gemini
Due Monday, March 5th
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have put part of each question into each answer.
1. On page 174 it states that the new kids always felt "conspicuous," what does this word mean?
2. What are the "recruiters" and "Institute scouts" that they are referring to?
3. What clues are mentioned in the book that might suggest that the new arrivals might have been kidnapped? Use text evidence in your answer.
4. Describe Mr. Curtain
5. Could Mr. Curtain and Mr. Benedict be the same person?
6. Why would everything be backwards at the institute? What might their reasons for this be?
7. What does the word "sasquatch" mean that is mentioned on page 179?
8. What is a cryptic message and why would this be important?
9. On page 184 it states, "As is always the case with a society, some arguing remained to be done." Is this true and why might this be important to all societies?
10. What is "gemini" and why is this word important to this chapter?


Monday, March 5th
Read Lessons Learned and People and Places to be Avoided
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have put part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 7th
1. Why do you think that no mirrors can be found at the Institute?
2. Find the idiom on page 188 and explain what it means.
3. What do you think of the statement, found on page 189, "Because it was impossible, in the end, to protect yourself from anything - no matter how hard you tried - it was important to try as hard as you could to protect yourself from everything." What does it mean in the story and what does it mean in life?
4. Why would SQ say she was "astounded or astonished" when Sticky and Reynie had received perfect scores? Why would this upset Martina?
5. What lessons had the kids learned in this chapter? What would this chapter be named, "Lessons Learned?"

6. The Helpers "averted" their eyes and had a "constant show of deference," why and what does this mean?
7. Why do you think that Mr. Curtain often was looking toward the bridge and off into the distance?
8. On page 201 it says that the corridor erupted into a "cacophony," what does this mean?
9. Why wouldn't the students want to go to the Waiting Room? Use text evidence to support your answer.

Wednesday, March 7th
Read Logical Conclusions and Miscalculations and Poison Apples/Poison Worms and A Surprising Suggestion
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 9th
1. What does the simile "his eyelids felt heavy as anvils" mean?
2. On page 210, Jackson stated, "You can say whatever you like when you have permission, right now no one has permission." What is he referring to?
3. On page 211, Sticky could feel the "malice," what does this mean?
4. Why is this chapter called Logical Conclusions and Miscalculations?

5. How does fruit fit in with the discussion of taxes, war, health, the justice system.....?
6. The symbol poison apples, poison worms refers to what?
7. Reynie looked at the literal meaning of being poisoned, was he wrong? Explain your reasoning.
8. On page 216, it states that, "Most of us will simple feel irritable and confused." Have you heard this before? Where and what were they referring to?
9. Mr. Benedict told the children that their love for the truth will protect them, what does this mean?
10. Why can Constance hear the Messenger's voice?
11. Explain the response the children got from the mainland on page 219.
12. Why is it so important that the children become Messengers as quickly as possible?
13. What does the word "evasively" mean at the bottom of page 222?
14. Why couldn't Charlie explain about the special privileges?

Friday, March 9th
Read Tests and Invitations and Everything as it Should Be
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 12th
1. Why was Reynie jealous?
2. On page 236, it says that Mr. Curtain rolled his chair almost "imperceptibly", what does this mean?
3. "If you don't trust them, keep them close." What does this mean and why would Reynie say this statement?
4. What is a sense of "deja vu?" (page 238)
5. "Control is always the key." What is this supposed to mean?

Monday, March 12th
Read Of Families Lost and Found and Tactical Caciupi
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 14th
1. Why is this chapter called Of Families Lost and Found?
2. On page 254, it states, "What has been lost may yet be found, Have hope." What does this message from the mainland mean?
3. Respond to Reynie's idea of what a family might be all about, "I have no experience, but well, is this what family is like? The feeling that everyone's connected, that with one piece missing the whole thing's broken?"
4. On page 257, it, "family is often born of blood, but it doesn't depend on blood." What does this mean?
5. What was the cliff hanger in the chapter Of Families Lost and Found?
6. Why do you think that family is such an important theme that is woven in and out of almost each chapter?

7. What does "Tactical Caciupi" mean and why would the author name this chapter that title?
8. Why would Mr. Curtain say that one of his biggest accomplishments would be the invention of his tidal turbines? Explain what these are and how might they be used on the island.
9. What was Kate using her spy glass/kaleidoscope for?
10. Knowing Sticky's talents, what do you think he is being used for when it comes to the journal?
11. On page 267, the first entry is read and one part states, "There is no such thing as perfect control. I have come to understand, however, that the illusion of perfect control can amount to the same thing." What does this mean and what implications might this have on the story?
12. How can you have an illusion of control?
13. Explain "brainsweeping."
14. Why aren't the special recruits every scared?
15. What do you think the "improvement" is that they are talking about on page 270?
16. What do you think his message on page 272 means?

Wednesday, March 14th
Read Caught in the Act and The Waiting Room
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 16th
1. Why is this chapter called, "Caught in the Act?"
2. On page 277 it says, "precipice." What does this mean and how is it used in the sentence?
3. Why were Reynie, Kate and Constance trying to climb the wall?
4. Again, it mentions the "improvement." Any clues as to what this might be?
5. On page 282, the word "ominous" is used. What does this word mean and how is it used in the sentence?

6. Describe Sticky as he came out of the Waiting Room.
7. Why wouldn't Sticky talk after he came out?
8. List the main characters and what they have to offer to a "team." Why might this be important to the rest of the book?
(Reynie, Constance, Kate and Sticky)
9. What was the main idea for this chapter? Give two supporting details.

Friday, March 16th
Read Punishments and Promotions and Half a Riddle
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 19th
1. What was the dilemma that Sticky was facing with Mr. Curtain? What would you have done?
2. State Mr. Curtain's view on the idea of "control."
3. Why do you think that Sticky got off the hook for cheating and Reynie got off the hook for lying?
4, On page 304 it states that Martina's face, "shone with malevolence," what does this mean and how does that apply to this sentence?
5. Why would Martina be promoted to Executive? Give reasons and your thinking as to why.

6. What does it mean when Mr. Curtain says that the "best way of dealing with those you don't trust is to keep them close." Reynie said this and now so has Mr. Curtain - what do you think this means for the both of them?
7. Why did Mr. Curtain make Sticky and Reynie messengers?
8. The coded message read:
With open eyes now you may find
A place you must exit to enter.
Where one ----

What do you think this message might mean? Give reasons for your thinking.


Monday, March 19th
Read The Whisperer and Open Sesame
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 21st
1. At the beginning of the chapter, Reynie has a dream. What do you think the dream means?
2. On page 314, it states that Reynie and Sticky shook hands "resolutely," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence?
3. On page 315, Jackson refers to Sticky or George as "dimwitted," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence?
4. Why couldn't the boys know the way to the Whispering Gallery?
5. Describe the Whispering Gallery.
6. On page 317, it states that the Whispering Gallery is so "austere," what does this mean?
7. Again the idea of control comes up over and over, why?
8. Describe what The Whispering can do and not do.
9. On page 319, when Renyie states that, "They go down easier, like candy rather than medicine." What is he talking about?
10. On page 319 it refers to "inputting data," what is this?
11. On page 321, it states, "poison apples, poison worms," again - now what is this referring to? Why is this phrase repeated throughout the book?
12. On the last page of The Whisperer" it ends with Sticky saying, "Not being wanted, not being wanted at all," what was the question?

13. Why didn't Reynie want to sit and eat with the rest of the messengers? What excuse did he give the messenger?
14. On page 333, when Constance says that Reynie is "on," what does this mean?
15. How do we know that Mr. Curtain will be done with the Messengers after "the Improvement?"
16. What are the clues about the trap?
17. How did the kids figure out the code?

Wednesday, March 21st
Read Practice Makes Perfect and Know Thine Enemy
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 23rd
1. Why is this chapter called "Practice Makes Perfect?"
2. Why would the government press releases be dated for the future?
3. What does the article and page 346/347 mean?
4. Why would Mr. Curtain want to create fear in everyone?
5. Why would Mr. Curtain want to put together an Amnesia Sanctuary?

6. Why is this chapter called, "Know Thine Enemy?"
7. What is the "memory terminal?"
8. On page 353, Reynie states, "But we are too late! Much, much too late," what is he referring to?
9. Who was the "recruiter" staring up at the window at night?
10. Why would he send the message to hurry?
11. Why was Milligan on the island?
12. Why wouldn't the kids follow Milligan?
13. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent with Milligan to give to the kids?

Friday, March 23rd
Read A Chess Lesson and The Mouse in the Culvert
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 26th
1. What is Reynie's plan that he refers to on page 364?
2. Why was Reynie so afraid of "betraying?"
3. Why was Reynie doubting himself?
4. Why was Reynie sending Mr. Benedict a message?
5. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent back?
6. What did the message mean?

7. How did Kate get into the elevator?
8. Why didn't she want to push any of the buttons in the elevator?
9. How does Mr. Curtain deal with the subject of fear?
10. What is Martina's job?
11. How did Mr. Curtain make sure no one was in the culvert?
12. What did Kate see in the water that had deceived her?


Monday, March 26th
Read Sacrifices, Narrow Escapes, and Something Like a Plan and Bad News and Sticky's Discovery